Programme Specialist (Culture)

OVERVIEW

Post Number : 6ZWCLT1000RP

Grade : NO-C

Parent Sector : Culture Sector (CLT)

Duty Station: Harare

Job Family: Culture

Type of contract : Fixed Term Field

Duration of contract : 2 years

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 22-JUL-2021

 

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

 

Only nationals of Zimbabwe may apply for this position. 

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Culture (ADG/CLT), the functional authority of the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa in Harare and the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist (Culture), the incumbent will contribute to the implementation of the Culture programme, the management of activities/projects as well as the overall visibility of the actions.  The incumbent works in the framework of UNESCO’s Medium Term Strategy (C/4s), the approved programme and Budget (C/5) for Major Programme IV (Culture) and global development plans, notably the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union Agenda 2063. In particular, the incumbent shall:

Long Description

• Ensure technical backstopping for projects and events and provide technical support to colleagues and Field Offices as related to assignments and priorities. Ensure high visibility of activities and projects by communicating to UNESCO’s different publics through various support (publications, brochures, exhibitions, web news, videos, apps, social media), producing texts and visuals, contributing to the production of graphics, photos and videos and presenting in manner that is relevant and adapted to locally programme activities and results.
• Research, recommend and contribute to the development and expansion of a knowledge base on the particular area(s)/theme(s) of assignment, ensuring regular contributions to web and printed content. Prepare data on Culture programme activities including technical articles and communication material and ensure its dissemination to colleagues, peers and stakeholders via the Office’s website, newsletters, National Commissions and other national organizations and the media. Carry out trend analysis and research and recommend particular courses of action based on findings.
• In area(s) of responsibility remain aware of advancements and best practices among development partners, NGOs and competitors in order to advise SADC, the national governments, National Commissions, ministry and colleagues on policy formulation, project development, resources and best practices.

Long Description

• Participate in the conceptualization, design, planning, developing, coordination, monitoring and implementation of the Regional Office’s Culture strategies and corresponding programmes, projects and activities. Identify entry points for culture and focus on areas within national priorities, and propose alignment of the latter with Culture priorities, particularly for the promotion, preservation and safeguarding of tangible, intangible and movable heritage, the promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions.
• Within the context of the Regional Office programme of work, perform national, and SADC-level, capacity building related activities such as data collection, data presentation and analysis, strategic scenario planning. Appraise and analyse systems, assist the Ministry responsible for Culture and officials in formulating sound policy advice and strategies. Participate in C/5 work plans and policy formulation discussions and other think tank activities.
• Facilitate the work of the Office in the joint programming exercises in the framework of the UN reform, such as Delivering as One, Common Country Assessments (CCA)/ United Nations Sustainable Development Country Frameworks (UNSDCF), Country Programme Documents (CPD) and Country Programme Action Plans (CPAP), in alignment with regional and national UNESCO goals, and UN Agencies’ goals. Provide technical advice/ assistance and contribute to provision of policy advice to SADC and to Member States to uphold the role of culture as a vector for national development and contribute to development of national cultural policies. Respond to national priorities with informed solutions.

 

Long Description

• Enhance information and knowledge management processes for internal and external users of Information and communication technology (ICT) in Culture knowledge while ensuring the dissemination and exchange of information by collecting, updating, analysing and making retrievable information on ICT use in culture and development.
• Establish collaborative and influential partnerships with stakeholders and enhance UNESCO’s standing and influence with think-tank institutions, universities and research centres in the area of Culture. Liaise with colleagues of the Sector and other Sectors of UNESCO; support the efficient carrying out of joint programme and project work and maintain close relations with local authorities, governmental and national professional organizations. Contribute to the development of national cultural policies. In this context, maintain strong working relations with relevant cultural institutions, as well as pertinent intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.
• Leverage relationships within and across teams at UNESCO while building external partnerships for project and programme development, coordinate and expand networks, organize national capacity development workshops and promote knowledge sharing through portals and other means
• Contribute to resource mobilization for cultural projects, and inter-sectoral initiatives, by developing concept notes and project proposals on the basis of situational analysis and needs assessments and in accordance with the C/5. Deal with UN Agencies seeking or marketing joint programme, bilateral and multilateral partners, continental development Banks (e.g. AfDB or others) and International Institutions. Prepare and follow up on submissions, coordinate donor meetings, including state of the art peer consultations. Prepare inputs and strive to generate voluntary contributions funded projects and funding.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) Communication (C) Accountability (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Professionalism (C) REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

 

Education

• Advanced University degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of Culture, Humanities, Development Studies, International Relations or Law, or related areas.

 

Work Experience

• A minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in the field of culture.
• Experience in developing and coordinating programme implementation, activities, and projects.

Long Skills and competencies

• Proven capacity to produce analytical reports and recommendations in the area of culture and development.
• Good analytical, organizational and coordination skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Sense of priorities, discretion, rigor and tact.
• Ability to work in a team and maintain effective working relations within a multi-cultural environment.
• Good IT skills.

 Languages

• Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work Experience

• Experience in fundraising and resource mobilization.
• Experience in outreach activities and partnerships/network building.

Skills and competencies

• Strong diplomatic skills with excellent political awareness and understanding.
• Good understanding and work experience in the inter-linkage between culture, arts and sustainable tourism.
• Familiarity with the work and general functioning of international organizations and/or the UN system.
• Knowledge of the UNESCO Culture Programme and its six Conventions.
• Knowledge of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Languages

• Knowledge of Portuguese, and/or another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish)

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.

 

For more information in benefits and entitlements, please consult ICSC website.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. 

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

Footer

UNESCO applies a zero tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.

UNESCO is committed to achieve and sustain gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities, as well as nationals from non-and under-represented Member States (last update here) are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.